Information & Referral

• Advocacy
  Advocacy means speaking up for yourself and making sure your rights are respected. Children and adults with disabilities have many rights that come from laws, regulations or policies. For example, children with disabilities have the right to a free public education that is appropriate to their needs. Adults with disabilities have rights in the areas of housing, employment, transportation, and government services. It is important for parents to learn about their rights so they can advocate for themselves and their children. Sometimes it helps to get advice from a professional who has experience with different laws and policies. Here is a list of agencies and individuals that can teach you about the rights of people with disabilities. Some services are provided at no charge while other services are provided for a fee. If cost is an issue, be sure to ask whether the fees can be waived or adjusted according to your income.
• Advocacy - ENdependence Center of Northern Virginia, Inc.
  3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
  Phone: 703-525-3268
  TTY: 703-525-3553
  Fax: 703-525-3585
  Email: info@ecnv.org
  Web site: www.ecnv.org
• Advocacy - National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
  PO Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013
  Phone: 800-695-0285
  TTY: 800-695-0285
  Fax: 202-884-8441
  Email: nichy@aed.org
  Web site: www.nichy.org
• Advocacy - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
  1100 N Washington St. Suite 234, Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-923-0010
  TTY: 703-923-0010
  Fax: 800-693-3514
  Email: partners@peatc.org
  Web site: www.peatc.org
• Advocacy - Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (formerly Department for Rights of Virginians with Disabilities)
  1910 Byrd Avenue, Suite 5, Richmond, VA 23230
  Phone: 804-225-2042
  TTY: 804-225-2042
  Fax: 804-662-7057
  Email: general.vopa@vopa.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vopa.state.va.us
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Educational Consulting Services
  Contact: Ruth C. Heitin, PhD
  100 West Howell Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
  Phone: 703-519-7181
  Fax: 703-519-4737
  Email: highten@aol.com
  Web site: www.educationalconsultingva.com
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Educational Resource Services
  Phone: 703-764-0705
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Fape Solutions
  Web site: www.fapesolutions.com
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Barbara A. Bradford, M.Ed.
  5278 Mason Bluff Drive, Burke, VA 22015
  Phone: 703-425-0273
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Marjorie Orloff, M.Ed.
  3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
  Phone: 703-764-0705
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Reta Y. Lewis, Intervention Strategist
  PO Box 3389, Falls Church, VA 22043
  Phone: 703-848-8894
  Fax: 703-827-0803
  Email: novaadvocate@aol.com
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Starfish Savers
  Laurie Ellen Randall, M.Ed.
  Phone: 703-631-9557
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Strategic Educational Solutions
  Ilene Shwartz
  1307 Buchanan Street, Arlington, VA 22205
  Phone: 703-527-3130
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - In Step
  James A. Sebben, Ed.D.
  8320 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703-876-8480
  Fax: 703-876-8482
  Web site: www.insteppc.com
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Diagnostic and Educational Resources, Inc.
  Annette Spector, M.S.Ed.
  115 ROwell Court, Suite 2, Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-534-5180
  Fax: 703-534-5181
  Web site: www.der-online.com
• Advocacy/Educational Consultants - Education Support and Advocacy Services
  Judy Brown Zegas
  PO Box 1372, Vienna, VA 22183
  Phone: 703-319-3478
  Email: esas@erols.com
  Web site: www.iser.com
• Assistive technology is any tool or device that maintains or improves an individual's ability to perform everyday activities. Assistive technology can range from simple tools such as velcro or tape to complex, expensive items such as power wheelchairs and adapted computers. Communication devices, medical equipment and wheelchair lifts on vans are also examples of assistive technology. Sometimes families can arrange for another party, such as their health insurance, the school system, or the Department of Rehabilitative Services to pay for part or all of the cost of an assistive technology device. It is important to ask for written information about what these parties will cover, and what they will not. Check with an advocacy organization if you are unsure who is responsible for paying for an assistive device.
  
  There are different types of assistive technology programs and services. Some agencies provide evaluations to determine what device is appropriate for an individual. Other organizations sell assistive devices or customize devices to meet a person's unique needs. Some companies lend assistive technology to people with disabilities for short periods of time: these programs are often called equipment lending libraries or loan closets.
• Assistive Technology - ENdependence Center of Northern Virginia
  Attaché Program
  Phone: 703-525-3268
• Assistive Technology - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
  Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) Northern Regional Site
  4400 University Drive, MSN 1F2, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-993-3670
  Fax: 703-993-3681
  Email: vatsnorth@aol.com
  Web site: www.chd.gmu.edu/vatsnorth/index.htm
• Assistive Technology - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
  Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) Central Office
  8004 Franklin Farms Drive, Richmond, VA 23229
  Phone: 804-662-9990
  Fax: 804-662-9478
  Web site: www.vats.org
• Assistive Technology - Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard Hearing
  Contact: Ronald L. Lanier, Director
  1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 203, Richmond, VA 23229
  Phone: 804-662-9502
  Web site: www.vddhh.org
• Assistive Technology - Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
  397 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227
  Phone: 804-371-3140
  Web site: www.vdbvi.org
• Assistive Technology - National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
  PO Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013
  Phone: 800-695-0285
  TTY: 800-695-0285
  Fax: 202-884-8441
  Email: nichy@aed.org
  Web site: www.nichy.org
• Assistive Technology - Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired - Fairfax Regional Office
  Contact: Timothy Brown
  11150 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 502, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-359-1100
  TTY: 703-359-1100
  Fax: 703-359-1111
  Email: timothy.brown@dbva.virginia.gov
  
  Back to top
• Behavioral Management Support
  Some children with disabilities have unusual behaviors that occur as a result of their disability, ranging from repetitive movements (e.g., flapping hands) to making noises, to hurting themselves or others. These behaviors have many causes, and there are different ways to help people change their behaviors, such as therapy, diet, medication, communication techniques, and changes in the person's environment. The following professionals have experience helping children acquire appropriate behaviors.
• Behavioral Management Support - Alternative Paths Training School (merge with Applied Behavioral Concepts Inc.)
  5632-B Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Suite B, Alexandria, VA 22309
  Phone: 703-766-8708
  Fax: 703-766-8713
  Email: info@aptschool.org
  Web site: www.behavioralconcepts.org
• Behavioral Management Support - Behavioral Directions, LLC
  Contact: Jane Barbin, PhD, BCBA
  626 Grant Street, Suite 1, Herndon, VA 20170
  Phone: 703-855-4032
  Fax: 571-333-0292
  Email: behavioraldirections@smartneighborhood.net
  Web site: www.behavioraldirections.com
• Behavioral Management Support - Arlington Department of Human Services
  Behavior Intervention Services (BIS)
  Contact: Jake Jakowitz
  Phone: 703-228-1539
  TTY: 703-228-1598
  Web site
• Behavioral Management Support - Center for Family Services (Virginia Tech)
  7054 Haycock Rd. Falls Church, VA 22043
  Phone: 703-538-8470
  Fax: 703-538-8465
  Web site: www.nvc.vt.edu/mft/cfs.html
• Behavioral Management Support - Center for Multicultural Human Services
  701 W Broad St., Suite 305 Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-533-3302
  Fax: 703-237-2083
  Web site: www.educationalconsultingva.com
• Behavioral Management Support - Neuropsychological and Family Therapy Associates
  400 South Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-642-6697
• Behavioral Management Support - Educational and Behavioral Solutions, LLC
  Contact: Allana Jeffries Taylor
  Phone: 703-371-0946
• Behavioral Management Support - Alternative Behavior Services - First Home Care
  Phone: 703-914-0182
  Web site: www.absfirst.com
• Behavioral Management Support - Inova Kellar Center
  11204 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-218-8500
  Web site
• Behavioral Management Support - In Step
  8320 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703-876-8480
  Fax: 703-876-8482
  Web site: www.insteppc.com
• Behavioral Management Support - Jewish Social Services Agency, Northern Virginia Office
  3018 Javier Rd., 2nd Floor, Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703-204-9100
  Fax: 703-204-9590
  Email: info@jssa.org
  Web site: www.jssa.org
• Behavioral Management Support - Phillips Family Partners
  Contact: Sandy Porteous
  7010 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA 22003
  Phone: 703-658-9054
  Email: Sandy.porteous@phillipsprograms.org
  Web site: www.phillipsprograms.org/familypartners.htm
• Behavioral Management Support - Positive Behavioral Dynamics, LLC
  Contact: Benjamin Mauro, Ph.D
  150 Little Falls Street, Suite 101, Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-533-3856
  Fax: 703-533-3857
  Email: bmauro@pbdynamics.com
  Web site: www.pbdynamics.com/index.html
  
  Back to top
• Camps - Alexandria Office for Early Childhood Development
  Contact: Elaine Waldron
  Email: Elaine.Waldron@fcps.edu
  Visit Fairfax County Public Schools Parent Resource Center for an extensive camp list.
• Child care can happen in the home of a day care provider, in a nursery school, or in your own home with a nanny. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states child care programs cannot refuse to serve families who have children with disabilities simply because the child has a disability. Programs may, however, need parents' ideas and experience to help their children participate in the program.
  
  Child care is hard for all parents to find. Sometimes it helps to call a local college that has a career office for students or to call local churches and ask if they offer child care. You will need to interview these providers to determine whether they have the training and experience to safely care for your child. Some important questions for potential child care providers include:
  
  - What is your experience working with children who have my child's disability?
  - What activities will you do with my child? How will you change these activities so my child can do them?
  - How will you deal with my child's difficult behaviors?
  
  For a list of other questions to ask child care providers, contact the Fairfax County Office for Children (703-449-9555) and request a copy of the Day Care Checklist.
  
  The agencies below can give you information about different child care providers who serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers in your area.
• Child Care - Alexandria Office for Early Childhood Development
  Contact: Carol Farrell
  Phone: 703-838-0750
  Email: cmf510@northern.dss.state.va.us
  Web site
  Eligibility: Income Eligibility
• Child Care - Arlington Department of Human Services
  Child and Family Services - Child Care Information
  3033 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700-A, Arlington, Virginia 22201
  Phone: 703-228-1685
  Fax: 571-228-1598
  Web site
• Child Care - Fairfax County Health and Human Services
  Office for Children (Childcare Central)
  12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-449-9555
  Email: childcarecentral@fairfaxcounty.gov
  Web site
• Child Care - Fairfax County Health and Human Services
  Office for Children
  Child Care Assistance and Referral
  12011 Government Center Parkway
  Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-449-8484
  Email: childcarecentral@fairfaxcounty.gov
  Web site: www.apsva.us/extday/
  Eligibility: Student must be enrolled in Arlington County
• Child Care - Arlington Public SchoolsFairfax County Health and Human Services
  Office for Children School Aged Child Care Program (SACC)
  12011 Government Center Parkway - Suite 930, Fairfax, Virginia 22035
  Administration Phone: 703-449-1414
  Registration:703-449-8989
  Fax: 703-324-3007
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/Sacc.htm
• Child Care - Head Start, Alexandria
  The Campagna Center
  418 South Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-549-2097
  Fax: 703-549-2097
  Web site: www.campagnacenter.org/head_start.htm
  Eligibility: Income eligibility; Age requirements
• Child Care - Head Start, Arlington
  Contact: Isaac Kornegay
  PO Box 5244, Arlington, VA 22205
  Phone: 703-807-2654
  Fax: 703-807-2658
  Email: ikornegay@hsarlington.org
  Eligibility: Income eligibility; Age requirements
• Child Care - Head Start, Fairfax
  12011 Government Center Parkway (9th floor)Fairfax,VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-8290
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/HeadStart.htm#EE
  Eligibility: Income eligibility; Age requirements
• Child Care - Annandale United Methodist Church Child Development Center
  Contact: Mattie Jackson
  Phone: 703-256-1772
  Email: cdc@annandale-umc.org
  Web site
• Child Care - Frog Pond Early Learning Center
  7204 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
  Phone: 703-765-7663
  Fax: 703-765-9082
  Email: frogpond@toad.net
  Web site: www.frogpondkids.org/home.html
• Child Care - Falls Church-McLean Children's Center
  7230 Idylwood RoadFalls Church, Virginia 22043
  Phone: 703-534-4907
  Fax: 703-534-4908
  Email: fcmlcc@aol.com
  Web site: www.fcmlcc.org
• Community Services Boards (CSB) and the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) are potential funding sources for vocational, residential, respite, family support and other services for persons meeting eligibility requirements. Each CSB and the DRS has its own set of eligibility requirements and should be contacted for more specific information. Generally, residents are served by the CSB in their county or city of residence.
  
  The providers listed below are not necessarily approved providers by each CSB or the DRS. For more information about what providers are approved in each jurisdiction, contact the specific CSB or DRS. If the provider is not approved by a CSB or the DRS a family or individual may choose to pay for services with private funds.
• CSB - City of Alexandria Community Service Board
  Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services
  720 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
  Phone: 703-838-5060
  Web site: alexandriava.gov/mhmrsa/about_csb.html
  Eligibility Requirements: Alexandria resident
• CSB - Arlington County Community Service Board
  Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services
  1725 N George Mason Drive Arlington, VA 22205
  Phone: 703-228-4871
  Fax: 703-228-5234
  Web site: www.arlingtonva.us/csb
  Eligibility Requirements: Arlington resident
• CSB - Fairfax County-Falls Church Community Service Board
  Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services
  12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-4400
  TTY: 703-324-4495
  Fax: 703-324-4490
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/mrs/mrsmain.htm
  Eligibility Requirements: Loudoun County resident
• CSB - Fairfax County-Falls Church Community Service Board
  Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services
  12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-4400
  TTY: 703-324-4495
  Fax: 703-324-4490
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/mrs/mrsmain.htm
  Eligibility Requirements: Fairfax County/Falls Church resident
• CSB - Loudon County Community Services Board
  Mental Retardation Services
  906 Trailview Blvd SE Suite A Leesburg, VA 20175
  Phone: 703-777-0377
  Fax: 703-771-5367
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/mrs/mrsmain.htm
  Eligibility Requirements: Loudoun County resident
• CSB - Prince William County Community Services Board
  Mental Retardation Services
  7969 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA 21009
  Manassas Phone : 703-792-7817
  Woodbridge Phone: 703-792-4900
  Manassas Fax: 703-792-7817
  Woodbridge Fax: 703-792-7057
  Web site
  Eligibility Requirements: Prince William County resident
  
  Back to top
• Dental - Routine dental care is very important for all individuals with disabilities. Many children and adults with disabilities are susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease due to crowded teeth, jaw structure, and poor brushing habits. In addition, medication and diet (e.g., eating too much sugar or resisting vegetables or fruits) are additional complicating factors that can be detrimental to good dental health. Often, general clumsiness due to a lack of coordination or accidents related to seizures increase the risk of oral trauma in individuals with disabilities. Sometimes, tactile defensiveness (particularly oral defensiveness), high anxiety, and the resulting behavior issues that can make an office visit very difficult for individuals with special needs, mean that it is very challenging for families to be consistent in providing appropriate dental care.
  
  Visit the following sites for information about dental care. The information on these sites can be generalized to all disabilities.
  
  Avoiding Dental Trouble
  The Dental Office Visit
  Special Considerations for Dental Care
• Dental - Center for Dental Anesthesiology
  James Snyder, DDS
  5282 Dawes Avenue, Alexandria 22311
  Phone: 703-978-1903
  Fax: 703-379-6407
  Web site: www.jamesasnyderdds.com
• Dental - Paul Goldstein, DDS
  5200 Lyngate Court, Burke VA 22015
  Phone: 703-379-6400
• Dental - James Gyuricza, DDS
  5212-B Lyngate Court, Burke VA 22015
  Phone: 703-978-5660
  Web site: www.drgyuricza.com
• Dental - Gary Kramer, DDS
  5631-F Burke Center Pkwy Suite E, Burke VA 22015
  Phone: 703-978-0051
  Fax: 703-978-0685
• Dental - Keith Beasley, DDS
  6211 Centreville Rd, Suite 600, Centerville, VA 20121
  Phone: 703-961-8808
  Web site: www.centrevillesmiles.com
• Dental - Jeffrey P. Miller, DDS
  9942-44 Main St, Fairfax VA 22031
  Phone: 703-273-6622
• Dental - W.L. Outten, DDS
  10721 Main Street, Suite 203, Fairfax VA 22031
  Phone: 703-273-5900
  Fax: 703-273-8232
• Dental - Fairfax Oral Surgery
  Jonathan J. Park, DMD
  10530 Rosehaven St. Fairfax VA 22030
  Phone: 703-385-5777
  Fax: 703-379-6407
  E-mail: fairfax@fairfaxoralsurgery.com
  Web site: www.fairfaxoralsurgery.com
• Dental - Levin, Leff, and Pollock, Ltd. (Falls Church Office)
  Stanley Levin, DDS
  311 Park Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-534-4884
  Fax: 703-534-3447
  E-mail: info@va-rootcanal.com
  Web site: www.va-rootcanal.com
• Dental - Robert Sears, DDS
  150 Elden Street. Suite 200 Herndon, Virginia 20170
  Phone: 703-707-2070
  E-mail: Office@DrBobbySears.com
  Web site: www.drbobbysears.com
• Dental - Farshad Farhoumand, DDS
  8150 Leesburg Pike, McLean VA 22101
• Dental - David McGibbons, DDS
  6845 Elm St Suite 500 McLean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-356-5330
  Fax: 703-356-7239
  E-mail: Office@DrBobbySears.com
  Web site: www.drbobbysears.com
• Dental - Michael J. Ternsiky, DDS
  6711 Whittier Ave, McLean VA 22101
  Phone: 703-356-1875
• Dental - Scott H. Leaf, DDS
  7841 Rolling Road, Suite F Springfield, VA 22153
  Burke Office: 9316-C Old Keene Mill Road Burke, Va 22015
  Phone: 703-455-1339
  Burke phone: 703-455-9683
  Web site: www.leafkids.com
• Dental - Pediatric & General Dentistry
  Heidi Herbst, DDS
  21475 Ridgetop Circle Suite 200 Sterling, VA 20166
  Phone: 703-444-3710
  Web site: www.sterlingvasmiles.comaboutus.html
• Dental - Emmanuel Skordalakis, DDS
  46950 Jennings Farm Drive Suite 160 Sterling VA 20164
  Phone: 703-421-3000
• Dental - Ted Pryzbla, DDS
  402 Maple Avenue West Suite B, Vienna VA 22180
  Phone: 703-255-2573
• Dental - William H. Weinkam, DDS
  2563 Chain Bridge Rd Vienna Oaks Office Ctr. Vienna, VA 22181
  Phone: 703-281-0902
• Dental - Children's Hospital Pediatric Dentistry
  111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010
  Phone: 202-884-5000
  Web site: www.dcchildrens.com
• Doctor - While finding a qualified and supportive physician who is knowledgeable about working with individuals with mental retardation is ideal, in reality, few physicians have more than a general knowledge about working with people with disabilities. Therefore, one of the most important considerations when choosing medical professionals may be their willingness to work with families and learn about the special needs that family has. There are a number of considerations in choosing a physician. Visit Tips to Optimize the Relationship Between Medical Professionals and Individuals with Fragile X and their Families for some ideas about finding and working with physicians. You can generalize the information to any disability.
• Doctor - Allergist
  Peter C. Latkin, MD
  6201 Leesburg Pike Suite 300 Falls Church, VA 22044
  Phone: 703-534-2445
• Doctor - Allergist
  Donna L. Schuster
  100 Elden St Suite 10 Herndon, VA 22070
  Phone: 703-689-2000
• Doctor - Dermatology
  Mitchell E Stashower, M.D.
  3700 Joseph Siewick Drive Suite 404 Fairfax, Virginia 22033
  Phone: 703-620-8900
  Fax: 703-620-2288
  Web site: www.clinicalskincenter.com
• Doctor - Children's National Medical Center -- Pediatrics
  Chuck Conlon, MD
  Outpatient Center: 8501 Arlington Blvd Suite 200, Fairfax VA
  Phone: 571-226-8380
• Doctor - Pediatrics
  Beverly Powell, MD
  7389 Hidden Knolls Court, Springfield VA 22153
  Phone: 703-866-0662
• Doctor - Georgetown Children's Medical Center for Genetics and Development -- Pediatrics
  Nina Scribanu, MD
  3800 Reservoir Rd NW Washington D.C 20007
  Phone: 202- 444-8518
  E-mail: scribann@georgetown.edu
• Doctor - Endocrinology
  Steven Schachner, MD
  6305 Castle Place Falls Church, Virginia
  Phone: 703-532-7575
  Fax: 703-532-3420
• Doctor - Family Practice
  David M. Abbot, MD
  2936 Chain Bridge Rd Ste 240 Oakton,VA
  Phone: 703-938-0363
• Doctor - Fairfax Family Practice
  Fair Oaks Professional Building 3650 Joseph Siewick Dr. Suite 400 Fairfax Va. 22033
  Phone: 703-391-2020
• Doctor - Family Practice
  Bruce Lessin, MD
  1313 Dolley Madison Boulevard Mclean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-821-1677
• Doctor - Family Practice
  Patrick Tokarz M.D.
  4401 Ford Avenue Suite 250 Alexandria, Virginia 22302
  Phone: 703-379-8879
  Fax: 703-998-6821
• Doctor - Children's National Medical Center
  Kenneth Rosenbaum, M.D.
  111 Michigan Ave NW Washington D.C. 20010
  Phone: 202-884-6287
• Doctor - Oncology
  Lee F. Smith, M.D.
  5226 Dawes Ave Alexandria VA 22302
  Phone: 703-379-9111
• Doctor - Neuroscience Consultants, PLC
  Neurology
  Terry Watkin, M.D.
  12007 Sunrise Valley Dr. Suite #120 Reston, VA 20191
  Phone: 703-478-0440
  Fax: 703-742-9210
  Web site: www.nscplc.com
• Doctor - Neurology
  Roger A. Snyder, M.D.
  8303 Arlington Blvd, #202 Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703- 573-5150
  Fax: 703-573-5154
• Doctor - Neurology
  James Simsarian, M.D.
  3020 Hamaker Court Fairfax, Virginia
  Phone: 703-876-0800
• Doctor - Obstetrics and Gynecology
  Joyce Hair, M.D.
  307 Maple Ave West, Suite C Vienna, VA 22180
  Phone: 703-698-7160
  Fax: 703-281-7313
• Doctor - Obstetrics and Gynecology
  Homer Knudson, M.D.
  8308A Old Courthouse Rd Vienna, VA 22182
  Phone: 703-790-2707
  Fax: 703-790-5359
• Doctor - Obstetrics and Gynecology
  Jean-Gilles Tchabo, M.D.
  1715 N George Mason Drive Arlington VA 22205
  Phone: 703-558-6591
  Fax: 703-558-6496
• Doctor - Eye Consultants of Northern Virginia
  Opthalmology (pediatric)
  Edward S. Parelhoff, M.D.
  8134 Old Keene Mill Rd Suite 300 Springfield, VA 22152
  Phone: 703-451-6111
  Fax: 703-451-6247
  Web site: www.eyeconsult.net
• Doctor - Northern Virginia Ophthalmology
  Ophthalmology
  William Rich, M.D.
  6231 Leesburg Pike Suite 608 Falls Church, VA 22044
  Phone: 703-534-3900
  Fax: 703-536-3729
• Doctor - Ophthalmology (pediatric)
  James Prague, M.D.
  1515 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-356-2141
  Fax: 703-356-1492
• Doctor - Fair Oaks Orthopedic Associates
  Orthopedist
  Brent Ain, M.D.
  3650 Joseph Siewick Drive Fairfax, VA 22033
  Phone: 703-391-0111
  Fax: 703- 391-2945
• Doctor - Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists of Northern Virginia
  Otolaryngology
  Richard Linde, M.D.
  Edward D. Marion, M.D.
  6231 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500 Falls Church, Virginia 22044
  Springfield Office: 8314-C Traford Lane Springfield, Virginia 22152
  Phone: 703-536-2729
  Springfield office: 703-644-7800
  Fax: 703-241-0381
  Springfield fax: 703-644-1508
  Web site: www.entnova.com
• Doctor - Otolaryngology
  Daniel D. Rooney
  201 Park St Se Vienna, Virginia 22180
  Phone: 703-281-2266
• Doctor - Bradley Family Health Center
  Pediatrics
  Magdolna A. Iranyi, M.D.
  West Braddock Rd Alexandria, VA 22302
  Phone: 703-379-6020
  Fax: 703-820-8799
• Doctor - Virginia Pediatric Group, Ltd.
  Pediatrics
  Samuel Weinstein, M.D.
  3020 Hamaker Ct. Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703- 573-2432
  Fax: 703- 280-9350
• Doctor - Pediatrics
  Thomas Crock, M.D.
  2946 Sleepy Hollow Road Suite 3B Falls Church, VA 22044
  Phone: 703-534-1000
  Fax: 703-536-7763
• Doctor - Pediatrics
  Richard E. Trabert, M.D.
  2946 Sleepy Hollow Road Suite 3B Falls Church, VA 22044
  Phone: 703-534-1000
  Fax: 703-536-7763
• Doctor - Pediatrics
  Pat Balsamo, M.D.
  8988 Fern Park Drive Burke, VA 22105
  Phone: 703-978-6061
  Fax: 703-978-0291
• Doctor - Pediatrics
  Fred Garner, M.D.
  8988 Fern Park Drive Burke, VA 22105
  Phone: 703-978-6061
  Fax: 703-978-0291
• Doctor - Reston Town Center Pediatrics
  Pediatrics
  Stepehen Harrison, M.D.
  1830 Town Center Drive Suite 205 Reston, VA
  Phone: 703-435-3638
  Fax: 703-435-9145
• Doctor - Pediatrics
  Beverly Powell, M.D.
  7389 Hidden Knolls Ct. Springfield, VA
  Phone: 703-866-0662
  Fax: 703-866-4238
• Doctor - KidsFirst Pediatrics
  Pediatrics
  Paula Fergusson, M.D.
  46165 Westlake Drive Suite 210 Potomac Falls, VA 20165
  Phone: 703-433-1555
  Fax: 703-444-9830
• Doctor - Kaiser Permanente
  Pediatrics
  Gina Courtney, M.D.
  Marc Lurie, M.D.
  6501 Loisdale Ct Springfield VA
  Phone: 703-359-7878
• Doctor - Pediatric Healthcare Sterling
  Pediatrics
  46400 Benedict Dr. Suite 207 Sterling, VA 20164
  Phone: 703-444-2100
• Doctor - Vienna Pediatrics
  Pediatrics
  Paul Schweisthal, M.D.
  Micheal Cassidy, M.D.
  410 Maple Ave West Vienna, Va 22180
  Phone: 703-938-2244
• Doctor - Woodbridge Pediatrics
  Pediatrics
  1924 Opitz Boulevard Woodbridge, Virginia 22190
  Phone: 703-690-1292
  Fax: 703-494-5647
• Doctor - Psychiatrists
  Bradley Chapman
  2059 Huntington Ave. Suite 108 Alexandria, VA 22303
  Phone: 703-960-4900
  Fax: 703-960-4952
• Doctor - Psychiatrist
  Bradley Chapman
  2059 Huntington Ave. Suite 108 Alexandria, VA 22303
  Phone: 703-960-4900
  Fax: 703-960-4952
• Doctor - Psychiatrist
  Frank Michener
  2059 Huntington Ave. Suite 108 Alexandria, VA 22303
  Phone: 703-960-4900
  Fax: 703-960-4952
• Doctor - Psychiatrist
  Peter Robbins
  3959 Pender Dr. Suite 320 Fairfax VA 22030
  Phone: 703-352-3822
  Fax: 703-960-4952
• Doctor - Psychiatrist
  Gary Spivak
  2501 Glebe Rd.Suite 303 Arlington, VA 22207
  Phone: 703-841-1290
  Fax: 703-841-1315
• Doctor - Pulmonary and Medical Associates of Northern Virginia, LTD.
  Pulmonary
  1400 South Joyce Street, Suite 126 Arlington, VA 22202
  Phone: 703-521-6662
  Fax: 703-521-5991
  www.pmaofnova.com
• Doctor - Pediatric Surgery
  Allyson Askew, M.D.
  3301 Woodburn Rd Suite 3205 Annandale, VA 22003
  Phone: 703-560-2236
  Fax: 703-876-4960
  
  Back to Top
• Early Intervention - A federal law called Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act established early intervention programs across the country. The purpose of early intervention is to: (1) identify infants and toddlers who have disabilities or delays in their physical, social communication, or cognitive development, (2) perform tests to better understand what is causing the delay and how the child is affected, and (3) to connect children and their families to services early in life that will support their growth and development so they will be ready to go to school. Services can include family training, home visits, special instruction, speech therapy, audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, service coordination, testing and assessment services, social work services, vision services, assistive technology devices and services, and transportation to and from these different services.
  
  Families can be referred to their local early intervention program through their child's physician, a teacher, a service provider, or by making a self-referral. The program will arrange to have the child tested in different areas of development, and if the child is found eligible, will talk to the family about what they need to help their child grow and develop. A team of professionals in different areas of child development will help the family create an Individualized Family Service Plan that contains information about the child's current development, the family's resources and needs, the outcomes that the family and the child will achieve, the services necessary to meet the family's and child's needs, the environment in which services will take place, the dates services will begin and end, the name of the service coordinator who will be the primary contact person for the family, and the steps the program will take to help the child move from early intervention to preschool or other community services. The early intervention program may require families to pay or use their insurance for certain services. The program may also help families who have financial difficulties pay for some services.
  
  Early intervention programs must follow certain rules to make sure families are treated fairly in the early intervention system. These rules are called procedural safeguards. Some examples of these safeguards are confidentiality of private information; the right of parents to decide whether they will accept or decline services; the chance to review a child's records; and the responsibility of the program to inform parents in writing when services may change. Be sure to ask for a copy of your rights as a parent when you first enter the early intervention program.
• Early Intervention - Chesapeake Center, Inc. 6506 Loisdale Rd. Suite 300 Springfield, VA 22150-1815 Phone: 703-924-4100 Email: info@chesapeakectr.com Web site: www.chesapeakectr.com
• Early Intervention - Easter Seals Child Development Center of Northern Virginia 111 North Cherry Street Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-534-5353 Fax: 703-534-5355 Web site: www.easterseals.com
• Early Intervention - Good Beginnings 6231 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church VA 22044 Phone: 703-536-1817 Fax: 703-536-5677 E-mail: gbtherapy@verizon.net
• Early Intervention - Northern Virginia Healthy Families and Early Head Start Contact: Maria Monterroso Phone: 703-892-0637 Fax: 703-892-0637 E-mail: mmonterroso@nvfs.org
• Early Intervention - St. John's Community Services Contact: Maria Monterroso 2201 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 120 Washington D.C. 20007 Phone: 202-237-6500 Fax: 703-892-0637 Web site: www.sjcs.org
• Estate planning - is the process of deciding how to leave your money and resources to your children after your death. Estate planning is the best way to ensure your child's security and well-being after you are no longer there to support him or her. However, it is important to work with legal and financial professionals who are familiar with estate planning for people who have disabilities and who receive government benefits. Otherwise, you may create a plan that makes your child ineligible for programs such as Social Security or Medicaid in the future. This plan for distributing your financial resources and other belongings is called a will. Some parents choose to invest their financial resources in a special account called a trust, which, if organized and managed properly, can provide your child modest to considerable savings for services and other living expenses.
• Estate Planning - The Arc of Northern Virginia Personal Support Trusts Contact: Carrie Frey 98 North Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-532-3214 Fax: 703-532-3398 E-mail: info@thearcofnova.org Web site: www.thearcofnova.org
• Estate Planning - The National Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities/ The National Dissemination Center Phone: 800-695-0285 TTY: 800-695-0285 Fax: 202 884-8441 E-mail: nichcy@aed.org Web site: www.nichcy.org
  
  Back to Top
• Financial Assistance - Many families find the biggest barrier to getting services for their children is the cost of these services. Assistive technology, therapy, health care, medications, transportation and support services can sometimes cost as much as a family's monthly income. Organizations and programs that offer financial assistance can help families who do not have enough money to pay for the services they need in several ways. Some organizations offer sliding scale fees, which are fees that are adjusted based upon a family's income level. Other organizations distribute cash grants or vouchers to families, which is like sending a check to a family to cover the cost of a service. Be aware that such a grant may affect eligibility for another type of financial assistance, government benefits, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Income, Food Stamps, and Subsidized Housing. Finally, some organizations offer subsidies, which are partial or full payments for a service from the organization to the service provider.
  
  It is helpful to understand the differences between SSI and SSDI, and Medicaid and Medicare. SSI is a cash payment to children or adults with disabilities who are poor and have little savings. SSDI is an insurance payment to children or adults with disabilities who have worked, or whose parents are disabled, widowed, or retired. People who receive SSDI are allowed to have assets and other financial resources. Sometimes, a person with a disability can receive both of these benefits. To qualify for these benefits, a person with a disability must be unable to work. If a person gets a job while receiving benefits, he or she must contact the Social Security Administration, because the job may affect his or her monthly benefit payment. The Social Security Administration offers several programs called work incentives to help people earn money at work without immediately losing benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid or Medicare. For more information check out www.ssa.gov
  
  For tips and informatiion on how to complete Social Security's Disability Report click on www.ssa.gov/disabilityformhelp
  
  Medicaid is the health insurance program for people with disabilities who have low incomes. In Virginia, the Medicaid program is a health maintenance organization. Medicaid covers routine health care visits, dental care up to age 21, hospitalizations, nursing facility care, medications, some types of medical supplies and equipment, certain kinds of therapy, and certain other medical services. For more information visit the federal Medicaid website at www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mcaicnsm.htm.
  
  For information about Medicaid in plain, simple language, visit TheDesk.info, an accessible site, geared to people with cognitive disabilities. The content for this Web site, designed by advocates and consumers, was tailored with the assistance of people who are in the Medicaid system.
  
  Medicare is the health insurance program for older adults with disabilities. Medicare has two parts- hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital insurance provides coverage of inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facilities, home health services and hospice care. Medical insurance helps pay for the cost of physician services, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment and supplies and other health services and supplies. Qualified individuals can enroll in Medicare by completing an application form at their local Social Security Administration office.
  
  Medicaid Waiver Services are health care, residential, vocational, in-home support, respite, technology, personal assistance and transportation services that people with specific disabilities can receive as an alternative to placement in a state institution or nursing home. The type of services offered depends on the person's age and disability. For more information contact your local Community Services Board or the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services at (804) 786-5850 or visit their website at www.dmhmrsas.state.va.us/mrfolder/mr_waiverintro.htm.
  
  For information about Medicaid in plain, simple language, visit TheDesk.info, an accessible site, geared to people with cognitive disabilities. The content for this Web site, desined by advocates and consumers, was tailored with the assistance of people who are in the Medicaid system.
• Financial Assistance - Arlington Department of Human Services
  Public Assistance Program
  3033 Wilson Blvd. Suite 700-A Arlington, Virginia 22201
  Phone: 703-228-1300
  Fax: 703-228-1788
  Email: dhs@arlingtonva.us
  Web site: Arlingtonva.us
• Financial Assistance - Alexandria Department of Human Services
  Public Assistance Program
  Web site: www.alexandriava.gov/
• Financial Assistance - Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA)
  1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107 Richmond, Virginia 23229
  Phone: 804-662-9000
  Fax: 804-662-9533
  Email: atlfa@atlfa.org
• Financial Assistance - Fairfax County Department of Family Services
  12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-7800
  TTY: 703-222-9452
  Fax: 703-222-9487
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/
• Financial Assistance - Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disABILITIES
  George Mason University 4400 University Drive, MS 1F2 Fairfax, Virginia 22030
  Phone: 703-993-3670
  TTY: 703-993-3670
  Fax: 703-993-3681
  Web site: kihd.gmu.edu/
• Financial Assistance - Fairfax County Family Support Program
  Phone: 703-324-4469
  TTY: 703-324-4495
  Fax: 703-322-1518
  
• Financial Assistance - Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded (KOVAR)
  Address: 12962 Dunbarton Drive Bristow, VA 20136
  Phone: 1-800-22-KOVAR
  E-mail: info@kovarva.org
  Web site: www.kovarva.com
  
• Financial Assistance - Virginia Department of Social Services
  Virginia Caregivers Grant Program
  Phone: 1-877-648-2817
  Web site: www.dss.virginia.gov/
  
  Back to Top
• Guardianship is the legal power to care for another person and manage his or her affairs. A guardian has permission from a court to make decisions about various aspects of a person's life (e.g., medical care, housing, education, money, etc.) Individuals who have guardians cannot make decisions in these areas on their own. In Virginia, there are two kinds of guardians: a guardian of the person and a conservator. The guardian of the person makes decisions about the person's daily life while the conservator makes decisions about the person's estate or assets. Parents who want to become guardian for their disabled child must go through a court process that determines whether the child really needs a guardian. See the section on ADVOCACY for referrals to attorneys who will represent parents in guardianship cases.
  
  It is important to explore other types of decision-making relationships before considering guardianship, such as being a representative payee, creating a trust, or getting power of attorney. A representative payee is responsible for managing a person's Social Security cash benefits. A trust is an arrangement under which one person or agency, called the Trustee, holds the title to property for the benefit of the disabled person, called the Beneficiary. A power of attorney is a document that indicates the disabled person gives legal authority to another person to act on his or her behalf in financial or personal affairs. However, the disabled person can change or end a power of attorney at any time. There is no court involvement in a power of attorney.
• Guardianship - The Arc of Northern Virginia
  Contact: Carrie Frey/Cheryl Swift
  98 North Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22040
  Phone: 703-532-3214
  Email: info@thearcofnova.org
  Web site: www.thearcofnova.org

• Guardianship - Virginia Guardianship Association
  Contact: Joy Duke
  Phone: 804-261-4046
  Email: JoyDuke@msn.com
  Web site: www.vgavirginia.org
  
  Back to Top
• Health Care - When a child is born with special needs, becomes ill, or is injured in an accident, families must suddenly deal with hospitals, medical specialists, and insurance technicalities. It is very important for the family to locate medical professionals with whom they can feel comfortable with and communicate effectively.
  
  Below is a list of resources to help you locate medical professionals who have experience working with children with special needs. Past experience can be very useful as the medical professional gets to know your child and your family.
• Health Care - Caring Nurses
  100 North Washington Street, Suite 313, Falls Church, VA 22040
  Phone: 703-241-0057
  Email: caringnurses27@verizon.net
• Health Care - Project MED (Medical Education for Consumers)
  Email: info@project-med.org
  Web site: www.project-med.org
• Health Care - Alexandria Health Department
  Address: 4480 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-838-4400
  Web site: alexandriava.gov/city/health/
• Health Care - Alexandria Health Department
  Child Health Clinic
  Address: 4480 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-838-4414
• Health Care - Arlington County Department of Health and Human Services
  Child Health Clinic
  Address: 4480 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-838-4414
• Health Care - Fairfax County Health Department
  10777 Main StreetFairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-246-2411
  TTY: 703-591-6435
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/
• Health Insurance - Parents who have children with special needs have many responsibilities, including paying health care providers that work with their child get paid. It can be difficult to understand the health care insurance system, so here is an introduction.
  
  There are two basic types of health insurance. The indemnity plan is a plan in which patients can go to any doctor or specialist for services and be reimbursed by their insurance company. A managed care plan can take many forms, such as a health maintenance organization, a preferred provider organization, or a point of service plan. Basically, all managed care plans require individuals to have a primary care physician that is affiliated with the plan. This primary care physician can then refer individuals to specialists, which must also be affiliated with the plan. Individuals who obtain health care from a physician, specialist or hospital that is not a part of the managed care plan network of health providers may have to pay for part or all of the service using their own money. Many insurance plans will require prior authorization for services. This means the patient must request permission for a service from the insurance company before the service is given. Insurance companies often have case managers, who act as a coordinator of a child's and family's health services, and work with the family and other service providers. Case managers can also help families who have been denied services with filing appeals, or written protests regarding the insurance company's decision about health care services.
  
  Health care financing is complicated, and can involve many hidden fees. Most health plans charge an annual premium. Employers that provide health insurance benefits may pay part or all of the premium. Some plans charge a deductible, which is a percentage or dollar amount of money you must pay for a service each year before the insurance company begins to pay. Many health plans require a copayment or copay for certain services each time you receive the service (e.g., $5 for a physician's visit, $10 for a specialist visit, $10 for medication, $50 for a hospital visit, etc.).
  
  A wide variety of arrangements for financing health care is available in both the private and the public sector. Success in paying for the comprehensive medical services your child needs may come from a combination of the following private and public resources.
• Health Insurance - Fairfax County Health Department
  Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP)
  12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 432 Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-5171
  TTY: 711
  Fax: 703-222-9198
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov
• Health Insurance - Virginia Department Of Medical Assistance Services
  Waiver Services
  600 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
  Phone: 804-786-1465
  TTY: 800-343-0634
  E-mail: DMAS-Info@dmas.virginia.gov
• Health Insurance - Virginia Department Of Medical Assistance Services
  Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
  600 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
  Phone: 804-786-1465
  TTY: 800-343-0634
  E-mail: DMAS-Info@dmas.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.dmas.virginia.gov
• Health Insurance - Arlington Department of Human Services
  Financial Assistance
  3033 Wilson Blvd.Suite 700-A Arlington, Virginia 22201
  Phone: 703-228-1350
  TTY: 703-228-1788
  E-mail: DMAS-Info@dmas.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.arlingtonva.us
• Health Insurance - Alexandria Department of Social Services
  301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-838-0700
  Web site: alexandriava.gov/dhs/
• Health Insurance - Fairfax County Department of Family Services
  12011 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-7800
  Fax: 703-222-9452
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/
• Health Insurance - Medicine Program
  Phone: 573-778-1118
  Web site: www.themedicineprogram.com
  
  Back to Top
• Lawyers - Effective planning for your son or daughter with a disability involves special legal considerations not found in routine estate planning. In selecting an attorney, you should seek one who is both capable and familiar with the laws involving trusts, guardianship and disability. This attorney should also have knowledge of the programs and benefits available to persons with disabilities. An attorney who is not familiar with these special legal considerations could inadvertently risk your family member's government benefits. In addition, an attorney who has experience in this specialized area should be more efficient and, therefore, less expensive. Following is a list of attorneys in this area who have experience in handling the special needs of persons with disabilities.
• Lawyers - Alexander P. Soroko
  Attorney & Counsellor at Law
  Three Ballston Plaza
  1100 North Glebe Road, Suite 1010
  Arlington, Virginia 22201
  Phone: 703-224-8044
• Lawyers - Gerard S. Rugel
  297 Herndon Pkwy.Ste. 104 Herndon VA 20170
  Phone: 703-709-9718
• Lawyers - Virginia Lawyer Referral Service
  Phone: 800-552-7977
  Web site: www.vsb.org/vlrs.html
• Lawyers - Legal Services of Northern Virginia
  Main Office
  6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500 Falls Church, Virginia 22041
  Phone: 703-778-6800
  Fax: 703-778-4790
  Web site: lawhelp.org
• Lawyers - Legal Services of Northern Virginia
  Arlington office
  1916 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200 Arlington, Virginia 22201
  Phone: 703-532-3733
  Fax: 703-778-1011
  Web site: lawhelp.org
• Lawyers - Legal Services of Northern Virginia
  Fairfax Office
  4080 Chain Bridge Road Fairfax, Virginia 22030
  Phone: 703-246-4500
  Fax: 703-273-6476
  Web site: lawhelp.org
• Lawyers - Legal Services of Northern Virginia
  Alexandria Office
  603 King St. 4th Floor Alexandria, Virginia 22314
  Phone: 703-684-5566
  Fax: 703-684-0946
  Web site: lawhelp.org
• Lawyers - Sheri Abrams, P.C.
  3915 Old Lee Highway, Suite 22-A Fairfax VA 22030
  Phone: 703-934-5450
  E-mail: sheri@sheriabrams.com
  Web site: www.sheriabrams.com
• Lawyers - Kelly A. Thompson, PLC
  46 South Glebe Rd. Suite 200 Arlington, VA 22204
  Phone: 703-486-2666
  Fax: 703-486-1243
  E-mail: kellylaw@erols.com
  Web site: www.kellythompsonlaw.com
• Lawyers - Needham, Mitnick & Pollack
  103 West Broad Street, Suite 200, Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-536-7778
  Fax: 703-536-2452
  E-mail: info@nmpattorneys.com/a>
  Web site: www.nmpattorneys.com
• Lawyers - Michael Toobin
  7006 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
  Phone: 703-354-7700
  Fax: 703-941-3291
  Web site: www.toobinlaw.com
• Lawyers - Jean Galloway Ball, PLC
  10306 Eaton Place, Suite 130, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-359-9213
  Fax: 703-591-0553
  Web site: www.uselderlaw.com
• Lawyers - Loretta Morris Williams
  10306 Eaton Place, Suite 130, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-359-9213
  Fax: 703-591-0553
  Web site: www.uselderlaw.com
• Lawyers - Elizabeth Munro von Keller
  8657-D Sudley Road Manassas, VA 20110
  Phone: 703-361-2299
  Fax: 703-361-2477
  E-mail: emvk@vonkellerlaw.com
• Lawyers - Kathleen R. Cossa, Esq.
  3975 University Drive, Suite 360 Fairfax, Virginia 22030
  Phone: 703-691-2530
  Fax: 703-691-2533
  E-mail: KRCossa@FairfaxElderLaw.com
  Web site: www.FairfaxElderLawFirm.com
• Lawyers - Elizabeth L. Wildhack, Esq.
  Eligibility: Virginia and the District of Columbia
  46 South Glebe Road, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22204
  Phone: 703-486-2988
  Fax: 703-852-4386
  E-mail: Elizabeth.Wildhack@verizon.net
  Web site: www.wildhacklaw.com
  
  Back to Top
• Mental Health - Inova Kellar Center
  11204 Waples Mill Rd. Fairfax 22030
  Phone: 703-218-8500
  Web site: Inova.org/community/inova_kellar_center
• Mental Health - Mount Vernon Center for Community Mental Health
  8119 Holland Road Alexandria, VA 22306
  Phone: 703-360-6910
  TTY: 703-799-4363
  Fax: 703-360-0899
• Mental Health - Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health
  3340 Woodburn Road Annandale, VA 22003
  Phone: 703-573-0523
  TTY: 703-645-0016
  Fax: 703-280-9518
• Mental Health - Anita L. Auerbach
  1479 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-734-0787
  Fax: 703-734-2735
  Web site: www.cwpsych.com
• Mental Health - Ed Carter
  8348 Traford Lane, Suite 102 Springfield, VA 22152
  Phone: 703-569-8731
  Fax: 703-569-7248
• Mental Health - Barbara Cowan, MSW, LCSW
  429 B Carlisle Ave Herndon, VA 20170
  Phone: 703-904-0300
• Mental Health - Barry Ekdom
  3040 Williams Drive, Suite 402, Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703-573-3573
  Fax: 703-573-3574
• Mental Health - Neuropsychological and Family Therapy Associates
  Ronald S. Federici
  400 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-548-0721
  Web site: www.drfederici.com
• Mental Health - George Mason University Center for Psychological Services
  10340 Democracy Lane Suite 202Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-993-1370
  E-mail: psycclin@gmu.edu
  Web site: psyclinic.gmu.edu
• Mental Health - Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland
  Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D.
  8607 Cedar St. Silver Spring, MD 20910
  Phone: 301-562-8448
  Fax: 301-562-8449
  E-mail: Kathleennadeau@chesapeakeadd.com
  Web site: www.chesapeakeadd.com
• Mental Health - PHILLIPS Programs
  7010 Braddock RoadAnnandale, Virginia 22003
  Phone: 703-941-8810
  Fax: 703-658-2378
  E-mail: Sandy.Porteous@phillipsprograms.org
  Web site: www.phillipsprograms.org
• Mental Health - Richard E. Rawson, Psy.D.
  429 Carlisle Drive Suite B Herndon, VA 20170
  Phone: 703-481-9369
  Web site: www.dr-rawson.com
• Mental Health - David Shostak
  8348 Traford Lane Suite 302 Springfield, VA 22152
  Phone: 703-451-8816
  Fax: 703-451-9766
  
  Back to top
• Parent Training - Often, parents are their children's most effective advocates and case managers. It can be difficult, however, to learn the information and skills needed to fulfill these roles in so many areas of a child's life, including education, health care, employment, housing, and recreation. The organizations below are resource centers run by parents of children with disabilities for parents of children with disabilities. These organizations offer workshops, conferences, trainings, support groups, information packages, library resources, and staff who can serve as mentors to parents who need guidance and advice from somebody who has experienced the difficult issues they are facing today.
• Parent Training - Alexandria City Special Education Parent Resource Center
  Contact: Anne Lipnick
  1501 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-706-4552
  E-mail: Alipnick@acps.k12.va.us
  Web site: www.acps.k12.va.us/prc/index.php
• Parent Training - Arlington County Special Education Parent Resource Center
  Contact: Kathleen Donovan
  2801 Clarendon Blvd Suite 312 Arlington, VA 22201
  Phone: 703-228-7239
  E-mail: kdonovan@arlington.k12.va.us
  Web site: www.arlington.k12.va.us/stud_serv/special_ed/prc/
• Parent Training - Fairfax County Special Education Parent Resource Center
  Contact: Marsha Goldberg
  2334 Gallows Road Dunn Loring, Virginia 22027
  Phone: 703-204-3941
  TTY: 703-204-3956
  E-mail: Marsha.Goldberg@fcps.edu
  Web site: www.fcps.edu/ss/prchomep.htm
• Parent Training - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
  1100 N Washington St.Suite 234 Falls Church, VA 22046-4523
  Phone: 703-923-0010
  TTY: 703-923-0010
  E-mail: partners@peatc.org
  Web site: www.peatc.org
• Parent Training - The Chesapeake Center
  6506 Loisdale Road, Suite 300, Springfield, VA 22150
  Phone: 703-924-4100
  Fax: 703-922-5048
  E-mail: info@chesapeakectr.com
  Web site: www.chesapeakectr.com
• Parent Training - Kingstowne Pediatric Occupational Therapy Center
  6157 Fuller Court Alexandria, VA 22310
  Phone: 703-967-7152
  Fax: 703-564-8488
  E-mail: tracy@pedsot.net
  Web site: www.pedsot.net
• Parent Training - The Healing Tree
  Contact: Rich Rieger, CranioSacral therapist
  2102 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301
  Phone: 703-706-9520
  E-mail: healingtr@aol.com
  Web site: www.healingtr.com
  
  Back to Top
• Rehabilitative and Job Training Services - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services-- Alexandria Office
  Contact: Jeanine Hyde
  5904 Old Richmond Hwy., Suite 410 Alexandria, VA 22303
  Phone: 703-960-3411
  TTY: 703-317-3525
  E-mail: Jeanine.Hyde@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Rehabilitative and Job Training Services - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services-Fairfax Office
  Contact: Jane Bennett
  11150 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-359-1124
  TTY: 703-359-1126
  Fax: 703-277-3528
  E-mail: Jane.Bennett@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Rehabilitative and Job Training Services - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services-Fairfax Office
  Contact: Jane Bennett
  11150 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-359-1124
  TTY: 703-359-1126
  Fax: 703-277-3528
  E-mail: Jane.Bennett@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Recreation and Leisure - There are many different options for people with disabilities who want to get involved in social activities, sports, games, clubs, and the arts. Individuals with disabilities can participate in public and private recreation and leisure programs, and these programs are required by law to adapt their activities so individuals with disabilities can participate to the fullest extent possible.
  
  In addition, there are recreation programs that are designed to enhance the social, leisure, cognitive, and motor skills of children and adults with disabilities. These programs are often referred to as therapeutic recreation programs. One example of such programs is the social club, in which youth and adults with disabilities plan, coordinate and participate in group social activities such as field trips, picnics, and concerts. Another type of therapeutic recreation program is adapted sports, including wheelchair basketball, beep baseball for children who are blind, and Challenger Baseball, which pairs children with and without disabilities to play baseball and uses adaptive equipment such as a tee or a lighter baseball. Moreover, there are camps, museums and travel programs that cater to people with disabilities.
  
  Summer day recreation programs are conducted by Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax Recreation Departments. There is a small enrollment fee for several of these programs. Program information is announced in late spring. Other recreation and enrichment programs are conducted throughout the year by the Recreation Departments in each jurisdiction.
• Recreation and Leisure - City of Alexandria Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities
  Therapeutic Recreation Office
  1108 Jefferson St. Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-519-3353
  TTY: 703-535-57846
  Web site: Alexandria.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources
  Therapeutic Recreation Office
  300 North Park Drive Arlington, Virginia 22203
  Phone: 703-228-4740
  TTY: 703-228-4743
  Fax: 703-228-4757
  E-mail: bsuttell@arlingtonva.us
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  George Washington Rec Center
  8426 Old Mt. Vernon Road Alexandria, VA 22309
  Phone: 703-780-8894
  TTY: 703-799-8291
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  South Run RECenter
  7550 Reservation Drive Springfield, Virginia
  Phone: 703-866-0566
  TTY: 703-866-9563
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  Mount Vernon RECenter
  2017 Belle View Blvd. Alexandria, Virginia
  Phone: 703-768-3224
  TTY: 703-765-7410
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  Spring Hill RECenter
  1239 Spring Hill Road McLean, Virginia
  Phone: 703-827-0989
  TTY: 703-847-4649
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  Oak Marr RECenter
  3200 Jermantown Road Oakton, Virginia
  Phone: 703-281-6501
  TTY: 703-281-7330
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  Providence RECenter
  7525 Marc Drive Falls Church, Virginia
  Phone: 703-698-1351
  TTY: 703-641-8672
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Fairfax County Park Authority
  Lee RECenter
  6601 Telegraph Road Franconia, Virginia
  Phone: 703-922-9841
  TTY: 703-922-3711
  Web site: Fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Northern Virginia Resource Center
  3951 Pender Drive Suite 130 Fairfax VA 22030
  Phone: 703-352-9055
  TTY: 703-352-9056
  Fax: 703-352-9058
  E-mail: info@nvrc.org
  Web site: www.nvrc.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council
  9190 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814
  Phone: 301-530-9360
  Web site: www.boyscouts-ncac.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Girl Scout Council of The Nation's Capital
  4301 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite M-2Washington, DC 20008
  Phone: 202-237-1670
  E-mail: info@gscnc.org
  Web site: www.gscnc.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Little League Challenger Division
  Phone: 570-326-1921 ext.212
  E-mail: jferguson@littleleague.org
  Web site: www.littleleague.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Eddie's Club, Inc.
  Phone: 703-304-2330
  E-mail: eddie@eddiesclub.org
  Web site: www.eddiesclub.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Lift Me Up
  Phone: 703-759-3833
  E-mail: info@liftmeup.org
  Web site: www.liftmeup.org/horses.htm
• Recreation and Leisure - McLean Youth TOPSoccer
  Phone: 703-506-8068
  Fax: 703- 556-6467
  E-mail: soccermcl@aol.com
  Web site: www.mcleansoccer.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Rainbow Therapeutic Equestrian Center
  8033 Ashton Avenue, Suite 105 Manassas, VA 20109
  Phone: 703-754-6159
  E-mail: rainbow@rainbowriding.org
  Web site: www.rainbowriding.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Special Olympics Virginia
  3212 Skipwith Road, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23294
  Phone: 804-346-5544
  Fax: 804-346-9633
  Web site: www.specialolympics.org
• Recreation and Leisure - VSArts
  818 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20006
  Phone: 202-628-2800
  TTY: 202-737-0645
  Fax: 202-429-0868
  Web site: www.vsarts.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Young Life Arlington/McLean
  1441 Dolley Madison Blvd McLean , VA 22101
  Phone: 703-847-2411
  Fax: 703-847-2412
  Web site: YLArlingtonMcLean.younglife.org
• Recreation and Leisure - The American Camping Association
  Web site: www.acacamps.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Camp Baker Services of the Greater Richmond ARC
  Contact: Demis Stewart
  7600 Beach Road, Chesterfield, VA 23828
  Phone: 804-358-1874
  E-mail: Demis.stewart@richmondARC.org
  Web site: www.RichmondARC.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Camp Lee Mar
  805 Redgate Road Dresher, PA 19025
  Phone: 215-658-1708
  Fax: 215-658-1710
  E-mail: gtour400@aol.com
  Web site: www.leemar.com
• Recreation and Leisure - Camp Overlook
  Phone: 540-269-2267
  Web site: www.gbgm-umc.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Camp Virginia Jaycee
  2494 Camp Jaycee Road Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064
  Phone: 540-947-2972
  Fax: 540-947-2043
  Web site: www.campvirginiajaycee.com
• Recreation and Leisure - Capital Camps
  1506 Willow Lawn Drive Suite 112 Richmond, VA 23220
  Phone: 804 355-5748
  Fax: 215-658-1710
  E-mail: Info@biav.net
  Web site: www.biav.net
• Recreation and Leisure - Brain Injury Association of VA's Camp Bruce McCoy
  12750 Buchanan Trail EastWaynesboro, PA 17268
  Phone: 717-794-2177
  Fax: 717-794-5789
  Web site: www.capitalcamps.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
  1120 20th Street, NW Suite 750 South Washington, DC 20036
  Phone: 202-454-6400
  Fax: 202-454-6401
  E-mail: info@clb.org
  Web site: www.clb.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Gallaudet University Child Development Center
  Contact: Stephany Sims, Coordinator
  800 Florida Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002
  E-mail: Stephany.Sims@gallaudet.edu
  Web site: clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/CDC/
• Recreation and Leisure - Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities
  COMPUWRITE
  Contact: Emily Gibson
  Phone: 703-993-3670
  E-mail: egibson5@gmu.edu
  Web site: summercamps.gmu.edu/
• Recreation and Leisure - Inova Kellar Camp
  Kellar Camp
  11204 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-218-8500
• Recreation and Leisure - Kingsbury Camp
  Contact: Anne Hoover
  Phone: 202-722-5555
  E-mail: Ahoover@kingsbury.org
  Web site: www.kingsbury.org
• Recreation and Leisure - The Lab School of Washington
  4579 Reservoir Rd., NW Washington, DC 20007
  Phone: 202-965-6600
  Web site: www.labschool.org/
• Recreation and Leisure - McLean Bible Church Access Ministries Summer Camp Program
  Contact: Heather Coleman
  Phone: 703-770-3832
  Web site: www.mcleanbible.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Prince William County Park Authority
  14420 Bristow Road Manassas, VA 20112
  Phone: 703-792-7060
  TTY: 703-791-4068
  Fax: 703-792-4278
  Web site: www.pwcparks.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Speech and Language Center of Northern Virginia
  1125 Savile Ln, McLean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-356-1351
  Fax: 703-356-2311
  E-mail: info@dolleymadisonpreschool.org
  Web site: www.slcnv.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Virginia School for the Blind, Deaf, and Multidisabled Summer Camp
  Contact: Chris Bethune
  700 Shell Rd Hampton VA 23661
  Phone: 757-247-2035
  Fax: 757-247-2052
  E-mail: chris.bethune@vsdbmh.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vsdbmh.virginia.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - TIC Computer Camp
  Contact: Karen Rosenbaum
  4620 Dittmar Road, Arlington, VA 22207
  Phone: 703-241-5542
  E-mail: kjr@ticcamp.com
  Web site: www.ticcamp.com
• Recreation and Leisure - Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Multi-Disabled
  Contact: Chris Bethune
  700 Shell Rd Hampton VA 23661
  Phone: 757-247-2035
  Fax: 757-247-2052
  E-mail: chris.bethune@vsdbmh.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vsdbmh.virginia.gov
• Recreation and Leisure - Gallaudet University Young Scholars' Program
  800 Florida Ave. NEWashington, DC 20002
  Phone: 202-448-6930
  TTY: 202-448-6933
  Fax: 202-448-6930
  E-mail: Summer@Gallaudet.edu
  Web site: clast.gallaudet.edu
• Recreation and Leisure - Exceptional Vacations, L.L.C.
  3711 NW 4th Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33064
  Phone: 954-781-0990
  Fax: 954-781-4157
  E-mail: info@exceptional-vacations.com
  Web site: www.exceptional-vacations.com
• Recreation and Leisure - The Guided Tour, Inc.
  7900 Old York Rd Elkins Park, PA 19027
  Phone: 215-782-1370
  Fax: 215-635-2637
  E-mail: Gtour400@aol.com
  Web site: www.guidedtour.com
• Recreation and Leisure - People and Places
  P.O. Box South Wales, NY 14139
  Phone: 716-937-1813
  Fax: 716-937-1814
  E-mail: catalog@people-and-places.org
  Web site: www.people-and-places.org
• Recreation and Leisure - Search Beyond Adventures
  Phone: 1-800-800-9979
  Fax: 1-877-721-3409
  Web site: www.searchbeyond.com
• Recreation and Leisure - Trips Inc. Special Adventures
  P.O. Box 10885 Eugene, OR 97440
  Phone: 541-686-1013
  E-mail: trips@tripsinc.com
  Web site: www.tripsinc.com
• Recreation and Leisure - Virginia Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities
  P.O. Box 10885 Eugene, OR 97440
  Phone: 1-800-742-3935
  Fax: 804-371-0327
  E-mail: guideinfo@travelguides.org
  Web site: www.travelguides.org/vaguide.html
  
  Back to Top
• Public schools are mandated to provide special education services for eligible students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, children who are suspected of having a disability and of needing special education have the right to receive an evaluation in their native language that assesses cognitive, behavioral, physical, and developmental functioning and communication abilities. A team of qualified professionals then determines whether the child is a child with a disability.
  
  A group of persons knowledgeable about a child, including the parents, then makes a placement decision. The child's placement must be in the least restrictive environment, which means a setting that is as close to the regular classroom setting as possible. There must be a continuum of placements available, including extended school year services. This continuum ranges from the regular classroom with supportive special education services, to classes in public schools specifically for children with disabilities, to instruction at home or in a hospital. In addition, children may qualify for related services necessary for educational progress such as physical and occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, nursing, and counseling. High school students in special education should also receive transition services which assist students with exploring the worlds of work and independent living. Contact the Office of Special Education or the Special Education Parent Resource Center for information about specific programs and services in your district.
  
  Students with disabilities and their parents are protected by procedural safeguards, which are processes that parents and schools must follow to ensure students' rights to a free, appropriate public education are not violated. For example, the school must notify parents in writing in the parents' language of any change in identification, evaluation or placement of their child. A description of these procedural safeguards in different languages is available from the special education department in your child's school.
• Public Schools - City of Alexandria Public Schools
  Special Education Parent Resource Center
  1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22311
  Phone: 703-706-4552
  Web site: www.acps.k12.va.us
• Public Schools - Arlington Public Schools Office of Special Education
  Phone: 703-228-6040
  Web site: www.arlington.k12.va.us
• Public Schools - Fairfax County Public Schools Parent Special Education Parent Resource Center
  2334 Gallows Road Dunn Loring, Virginia 22027
  Phone: 703-204-3941
  Fax: 703-204-3956
  Web site: www.fcps.edu/ss/prchomep.htm
• Public Schools - Accotink Academy
  6215 Rolling Road, Springfield VA 22152
  Phone: 703-451-5797
  Fax: 703- 451-0336
  Web site: www.accotinkacademy.com
• Public Schools - Accotink Academy Alternative Learning Center
  6228 F Rolling Road Springfield, VA 22152
  Phone: 703-644-9072
  E-mail: cflynn@accotinkcenter.com
  Web site: www.accotinkcenter.com
• Public Schools - Easter Seals Child Development Center of Northern Virginia
  111 North Cherry Street Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-534-5353
  Fax: 703-534-5355
  Web site: gwbr.easterseals.com
• Public Schools - Alexandria Head Start
  418 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-549-8685
  Fax: 703-549-2097
  
• Public Schools - Fairfax County Office for Children Head Start
  12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 930, Fairfax, VA 22035
  Phone: 703-324-8087
  Fax: 703-324-8200<
• Public Schools - Alternative Paths Training School
  5632-B Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Suite B Alexandria, VA 22309
  Phone: 703-766-8708
  Fax: 703-766-8713
  E-mail: info@aptschool.org
  Web site: www.aptschool.org
• Public Schools - Leary School of Virginia
  6349 Lincolnia Road, Alexandria, VA 22312
  Phone: 703-941-8150
  Fax: 703-941-4237
  E-mail: learyschool@bellatlantic.net
  Web site: www.learyschool.org
• Public Schools - Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute
  801 Buchanan Street, NE Washington, DC 20017
  Phone: 202-529-7600
  Fax: 202-529-2028
• Public Schools - Montessori School of Northern Virginia
  6820 Pacific Lane Annandale, VA 22003
  Phone: 703-256-9577
  Fax: 703-256-9851
  E-mail: otran@msnv.org
  Web site: www.msnv.org
• Public Schools - National Children's Center Inc
  6200 Second Street, NW Washington, DC 20011
  Phone: 202-722-2300
  Fax: 202-722-2383
  Web site: www.nccinc.org
• Public Schools - The Oakwood School
  7210 Braddock Road Annandale, Virginia 22003
  Phone: 703-941-5788
  Fax: 703-941-4186
  Web site: www.oakwoodschool.com
• Public Schools - Resurrection Children's Center
  2280 North Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA 22311
  Phone: 703-578-1314
  Web site: www.welcometoresurrection.org/preschool
• Public Schools - Philips School
  7010 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA 22033
  Phone: 703-941-8810
  Fax: 703-658-2378
  Web site: www.phillipsprograms.org
• Public Schools - The Speech and Language Center of Northern Virginia
  1125 Savile Lane McLean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-356-2833
  Fax: 703-356-2311
  E-mail: info@slcnv.org
  Web site: www.slcnv.org
• Public Schools - St. Coletta School of Greater Washington
  1901 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
  Phone: 202-350-8680
  TTY: 202- 350-8695
  Fax: 202-350-8699
  Web site: www.stcoletta.org
• Public Schools - George Mason Univeristy LIFE program -- Hellen Kellar Institute for Disabilities
  4400 University Drive, MSN 1F2 Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-993-3670
  Fax: 703-993-3681
  E-mail: GMULIFE@gmu.edu
  Web site: masonlife.gmu.edu
• Support groups offer participants emotional support, advice and guidance, connections to community resources, and practical help. Certain groups teach different skills, such as relaxation, anger management or social skills. There are support groups for parents, for brothers and sisters of people with disabilities, and for people with disabilities themselves. Some support groups last only a few meetings, while others are ongoing.
• Support Groups - The Arc of Greater Prince William
  Contact: Jan Russell DirectorFamily Services
  13505 Hillendale Dr.Woodbridge, VA 22193
  703-730-3124
  Fax: 703-670-8648
  E-mail: jrussell@arcgpw.org
  Web site: www.arcgpw.org
• Support Groups - Access Ministries Breakaway Support Group
  Contact: Jackie Mills-Fernald
  Phone: 703-770-2942
  Fax: 703-670-8648
  E-mail: jrussell@arcgpw.org
  Web site: www.arcgpw.org
• Support Groups - Asperger's Syndrome Kingstowne Area
  Contact: Barry Loss
  Phone: 703-866-2115
  E-mail: Barry.loss@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Support Groups - Asperger's Synndrom Parent Support Group
  Contact: Pam Escobar
  Phone: 703-430-3519
• Support Groups - Autism Society of America- Northern Virginia Chapter
  Contact: Christine Hoch
  P.O. Box 1334 Vienna, VA 22183
  Phone: 703-495-8444
  E-mail: executivedirector@asanv.org
  Web site: www.autism-society.org
• Support Groups - Northern Virginia Brain Injury Association
  8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite B102, Springfield, VA 22152
  Phone: 703-569-1855
  Fax: 703-451-8820
  E-mail: info-nvbia@nvbia.org
  Web site: www.NVBIA.org
• Support Groups - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) of Northern Virginia
  PO Box 2645 Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703-641-5451
  E-mail: nova_chadd@hotmail.com
  Web site: www.novachadd.org
• Support Groups - Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
  Contact: Heather Trammell
  Phone: 703-621-7129
  E-mail: heathert@dsanv.org
  Web site: www.dsanv.org
• Support Groups - Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region
  Phone: 703-425-6660
  E-mail: novaepilepsygroup@cox.net
  Web site: www.epilepsy-foundation.org
• Support Groups - Access Ministries Parent Support Group
  Contact: Jackie Mills Fernald
  Phone: 703-770-2942
  Web site: www.mcleanbible.org
• Support Groups - Jewish Social Services Agency-Northern Virginia Office
  3018 Javier Road, 2nd Floor, Fairfax, VA 22031
  Phone: 703-204-9100
  Fax: 703-204-9590
  E-mail: info@jssa.org
  Web site: www.jssa.org
• Support Groups - Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia
  4100 N. 9th St., #505 Arlington, VA 22203
  E-mail: info@ldavirginia.org
  Web site: www.ldavirginia.org
• Support Groups - Northern Virginia Alliance for the Mentally Ill
  1820 Michael Faraday Drive Reston, VA 20190
  Phone: 703-525-0686
  E-mail: carolulrich@naminova.org
  Web site: www.naminova.org
• Support Groups - Northern Virginia Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
  3951 Pender Drive Suite 130 Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-352-9055
  TTY: 703-352-9056
  Fax: 703-352-9058
  E-mail: info@nvrc.org
  Web site: www.nvrc.org
• Support Groups - Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Washington
  33 University Blvd., E. Silver Spring, MD 20901
  Phone: 301-681-4133
  Fax: 301-576-4527
  E-mail: tsagw@aol.com
  Web site: www.tsagw.org
• Sex Education - While finding a qualified and supportive professional who is knowledgeable about working with individuals with mental retardation is ideal, in reality, few physicians have more than a general knowledge about working with people with disabilities. Therefore, one of the most important considerations when choosing medical professionals may be their willingness to work with families and learn about the special needs that family has. There are a number of considerations in choosing a physician. Visit Tips to Optimize the Relationship Between Medical Professionals and Individuals with Fragile X and their Families for some ideas about finding and working with physicians. You can generalize the information to any disability.
• Sex Education - Mary Ann Carmody
  6121 Nevada Ave., NW, Washington
  Phone: 202-364-5303
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - Many children benefit from therapy provided by occupational and physical therapists and speech and language pathologists. Occupational therapists help children with disabilities improve their cognitive, sensorimotor, and perceptual skills through the use of adaptive equipment, exercises and activities with the goal of maximum independence in life activities. Physical therapists provide treatment to develop, maintain, and restore muscle strength, sensory perception, motor skills, and respiratory/circulatory functioning. Speech/language pathologists diagnose and treat individuals whose ability to vocalize, hear, swallow, and use language is impaired. Some children are eligible to receive these services in the school setting. Some children receive services from private therapists such as the ones listed below.
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - The Chesapeake Center
  6506 Loisdale Road, Suite 300, Springfield, VA 22150
  Phone: 703-924-4100
  Fax: 703-922-5048
  E-mail: info@chesapeakectr.com
  Web site: www.chesapeakectr.com
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - Children's Speech and Language Services of Arlington
  939 S. Wakefield Street Arlington, VA
  Phone: 703-685-1070
  Fax: 703-685-0151
  E-mail: csls@erols.com
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - Children's Speech and Language Therapy Center
  299 Herndon Parkway, Suite 110 Herndon, VA 20170
  Phone: 703-435-0488
  Fax: 703-685-0151
  E-mail: info@childrens-speech.com
  Web site: www.childrens-speech.com
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - Skill Builders, LLC
  Contact: Cari Syron, MA CCC-SLP
  Phone: 703-750-2443 (OT)
  703-941-7757 (Speech)
  Fax: 703-941-0587
  E-mail: cari@skillbuildersllc.com
  Web site: http://www.skillbuildersllc.com/
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - Expressions With Intent A Child's Therapy Center
  Contact: Debra Piccirillo, Director
  752 Walker Road, Suite E The Village Centre Great Falls, VA 22066
  Phone: 703-757-4600
  Fax: 703-757-2969
  E-mail: debra@expwi.com
• Speech and Language Therapiststs - Speech and Language Center of Northern Virginia, Inc.
  1125 Savile Lane McLean, VA 22101
  Phone: 703-356-2833
  Fax: 703-356-2311
  E-mail: info@slcnv.org
  Web site: www.slcnv.org
  
  Back to Top
• Transportation - Adequate public and private transportation options are crucial for people with disabilities to be able to work, go to medical appointments, participate in recreation and social activities, and live independently. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that public and private transportation providers take steps to make their systems more accessible to people with different disabilities. For example, city and county transportation systems must offer paratransit systems, in which accessible vehicles are available to riders with disabilities who cannot use the regular fixed route transportation system. The paratransit system runs within ¾ of a mile of the same routes as regular transportation, and is available on the same days and hours. Accessible vehicles should have wheelchair lifts, designated spaces for wheelchairs, visual and aural announcements for stops, and other features. Moreover, riders with disabilities cannot be charged more than twice what a regular rider would pay for services. An individual who serves as a personal assistant for a rider with a disability must be able to ride free of charge. In addition, bus and rail stations must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  
  The guide titled The Northern Virginia Transportation Services for People With Disabilities gives detailed information on all the transportation choices for people with disabilities in Northern Virginia. To receive a copy, call Disability Planning and Development in the Fairfax County Department of Family Services at 703-324-5219.
• Transportation - Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
  MetroAccess Paratransit Service
  Phone: 301-562-5361
  TTY: 301-588-7535
  Web site: www.wmata.commetroaccess/access_form.cfm
• Transportation - Fairfax City
  City Wheels
  Phone: 703-385-7859
  TTY: 1-800-828-1120
  Web site: www.fairfaxva.gov
• Transportation - Alexandria City
  DOT Paratransit Program
  Phone: 703-324-7079
  TTY: 1-800-828-1120
  Web site: alexandriava.gov
• Transportation - Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation
  FASTRAN
  Phone: 703-222-9764
  TTY: 711
  Fax: 703-803-8150
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov
• Transportation - Arlington County Transit
  Specialized Transit for Arlington Residents (STAR)
  Phone: 703-892-8747
  TTY: 800-828-1120
  E-mail: star@arlingtonstar.com
  Web site: www.commuterpage.com/ART/star.htm
• Transportation - Metrobus
  Phone: 703-892-8747
  TTY: 202-638-3780
  Web site: www.metroopensdoors.com
• Transportation - City of Fairfax Cue Bus
  Phone: 703-385-7859
  TTY: 703-385-7859
  Web site: www.fairfaxva.gov
• Transportation - DASH Alexandria Transit
  Phone: 703-370-3274
  TTY: 1-800-828-1120
  Web site: www.dashbus.com
• Transportation - Fairfax County CONNECTOR
  Phone: 703-339-7200
  TTY: 703-339-1608
  E-mail: fairfaxconnector@fairfaxcounty.gov
  Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/
• Transportation - Arlington Red Top Cab
  Phone: 703-522-3333
  TTY: 703-522-3331
  Web site: www.redtopcab.com
• Transportation - Fairfax Red Top Cab
  Wheelchair accessible upon request
  Phone: 703-534-1111
  TTY: 703-522-3333
  Web site: www.redtopcab.com
• Transportation - Fairfax White Top Cab
  Wheelchair accessible upon request
  Phone: 703-644-4500
  TTY: 703-644-4500
• Transportation - Metrorail
  Wheelchair accessible upon request
  Phone: 202-637-7000
  TTY: 202-638-3780
  Web site: www.wmata.com
• Transportation - Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
  Phone: 703-684-0400
  TTY: 703-684-0551
  Web site: www.vre.org
• Transportation - Diamond Wheelchair Transportation
  Phone: 703- 548-6500
• Transportation - Greyhound Bus Service ADA Assistance Line
  Phone: 1-800-752-4841
• Transportation - Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation In Our Community)
  Phone: 800-659-6428
  Web site: www.projectaction.org
  
  Back to Top
• Vocational - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 guarantees that persons with disabilities have access to state of the art vocational programs that maximize employment skills, economic self-sufficiency, independence and inclusion and integration into society. Funding for these programs comes from the federal government and is provided for individuals through the Community Services Boards or through the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS).
  
  Each CSB and the DRS has its own set of eligibility requirements and should be contacted for more specific information. Generally, residents are served by the CSB in their county or city of residence.
  
  The providers listed below are not necessarily approved providers by each CSB or the DRS. For more information about what providers are approved in each jurisdiction, contact the specific CSB or DRS. If the provider is not approved by a CSB or the DRS a family or individual may choose to pay for services with private funds.
  
  Individuals who want assistance from DRS must complete an intake and assessment process. DRS counselors and staff will evaluate an applicant's educational background, work skills, job interests, work experience, and barriers to employment. The applicant may be observed at different jobs to determine his or her abilities and needs for support.
  
  The rehabilitation system can offer many different types of support for individuals with disabilities who qualify for services. Individuals who require significant assistance with therapy and health management may be placed in a day support program. Others who are learning activities of daily living and basic work skills may be placed in a sheltered workshop. People with disabilities who need ongoing support and supervision but want to work in a community setting may be placed in an enclave, which is a group of individuals who are working on the same project or activity within a larger organization. Workers who want to work in an integrated setting for competitive pay can request employment supports such as a job coach, who can train the person on his or her job duties and offer ongoing assistance with work-related issues. Finally, individuals can request assistance from DRS with starting their own business or telecommuting. DRS can help with transportation to and from work, personal assistance services at work, and other types of work-related support.
  
  Individuals who feel they have been treated unfairly by the rehabilitation system can request advocacy and support from the Client Assistance Program within the Department of Rehabilitative Services.
• Vocational - Brain Injury Services, Inc
  Case Management Program
  8136 Old Keene Mill Road Suite B102Springfield, VA 22152
  Phone: 703-451-8881
  TTY: 703-451-8820
  Web site: www.braininjurysvcs.org
• Vocational - Central Fairfax Services
  18 and older
  6860 Commercial Drive Springfield, VA 22151
  Phone: 703-354-0900
  Fax: 703-354-0008
  E-mail: info@centralfairfaxserv.org
  Web site: www.centralfairfaxserv.org
• Vocational - The Chimes, Inc. Virginia
  Vocational Services Program, Day Rehabilitation Program
  22 and older
  3957 Pender Drive, Suite 103 Fairfax, Virginia 22030
  Phone: 703-267-6558
  Fax: 703-267-9684
  Web site: www.chimes.org
• Vocational - Cooperative Employment Program (CEP)
  Contact: Denise Sequeria
  Phone: 703-277-3515
• Vocational - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, Alexandria Office
  Contact: Teri Bertsch
  5904 Old Richmond Highway, Suite 410 Alexandria, VA 22303
  Phone: 703-960-3411
  TTY: 703-317-3525
  Fax: 703-960-8950
  E-mail: Teri.Bertsch@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Vocational - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, Fairfax Office
  Contact: Jane Bennett
  11150 Fairfax Blvd., Suite #300 Fairfax, VA 22030
  Phone: 703-359-1124
  TTY: 703-359-1126
  Fax: 703-277-3537
  E-mail: Jane.Bennett@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Vocational - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, Manassas Office
  Contact: Bob Canaday
  9309 Center Street, Suite #304 Manassas, VA 20110
  Phone: 703-335-5550
  Fax: 703-335-5559
  E-mail: Bob.Canaday@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Vocational - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, Northern Virginia Regional Office
  Contact: Doug James
  Phone: 703-359-1124
  TTY: 703-359-1126
  Fax: 703-277-3500
  E-mail: Doug.James@drs.virginia.gov
  Web site: www.vadrs.org
• Vocational - Didlake, Inc.
  8641 Breeden Ave. Manassas, VA 20110
  Phone: 703-359-1124
  TTY: 703-361-4195
  Fax: 703-369-7141
  Web site: www.didlake.com
• Vocational - Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO)
  Phone: 703-779-2100
  TTY: 703-361-4195
  E-mail: info@echoworks.org
  Web site: echoworks.org
• Vocational - E-Tron Systems
  18 and older
  Contact: Jim Rogan
  Phone: 703-690-2731
  E-mail: JRogan7611@aol.com
  Web site: members.aol.com/etronsys/index.html
• Vocational - Excel Networking Group
  Job search network
  Web site: www.excelability.org
• Vocational - ICON Community Services
  1240 N. Pitt St., Suite LL Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 703-548-4048
  E-mail: info@iconservices.org
  Web site: www.iconservices.org
• Vocational - Job Discovery, Inc
  Contact: Missy King
  10345 Democracy Lane Fairfax, Virginia 22030
  Phone: 703-385-0041
  E-mail: missy@jobdiscovery.org
  Web site: www.jobdiscovery.org
• Vocational - Laurie Mitchell Employment Center, Edsall Road Center
  6295 Edsall Road Suite 175 Alexandria, VA 22312
  Phone: 703-461-3886
  Fax: 703-461-8088
  E-mail: edsall@lmec.org
• Vocational - Mt. Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc.
  7420 Fullerton Road Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153
  Phone: 703-569-3900
  Fax: 703-461-8088
  Web site: www.mvle.org
• Vocational - Operation Job Match
  1800 M Street N.W., Suite 750 South | Washington D.C. 20036
  Phone: 202-296-5363
  E-mail: swnissen@aol.com
  Web site: www.msandyou.org/ojm/index.php
• Vocational - The Sante Group, formerly the Rock Creek Foundation, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration
  12120 Plum Orchard Drive, Suite B Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
  Phone: 301-586-0900
  TTY: 301-572-5062
  Fax: 301-578-8724
  Web site: www.thesantegroup.org
• Vocational - Saint John's Community Services
  Contact: Thalia Simpson-Clement
  7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 404 West Annandale, VA 22003
  Phone: 703-914-2755
  Fax: 703-914-5437
  Web site: www.sjcs.org
• Vocational - Service Source Network
  6295 Edsall Road Suite 175 Alexandria, Virginia 22312
  Phone: 703-461-6000
  TTY: 703-461-7905
  Fax: 703-461-3906
  Web site: www.ourpeoplework.org
• Vocational - SOC Enterprises
  750 South 23rd Street Arlington, VA 22202
  Phone: 703-521-4441
  Fax: 703-521-3443
  Web site: www.socatwork.org
• Vocational - St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Adult Day Program
  18 and older
  Contact: Diane Takis, Director of Adult Day Programs
  Phone: 202-350-8680
  Fax: 202-350-8699
  E-mail: dtakis@stcoletta.org
  Web site: www.stcoletta.org
• Vocational - St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Adult Services Division
  22 and older
  207 S. Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 571-438-6940
  Fax: 571-438-6949
  Web site: www.stcoletta.org
• Vocational - Woodmont Center
  Contact: Jan Williams
  2242 North Filmore St. Arlington, VA 22207
  Phone: 703-461-6000
• Vocational - Villa Maria Centre Ltd.
  Contact: Nancy Claffy
  FAlls Church, Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad St. Falls Church, VA 22046
  Phone: 703-241-1110
• Volunteers - In this section you will find organizations that provide volunteers to help families who have a disabled family member or adults with mental retardation by being friends or by helping them with activities of daily living.
• Volunteers - Infant and Toddler Connection at Joseph Willard Health Center in Fairfax
  18 and older
  3750 Old Lee Highway Fairfax City,VA
  Phone: 703-246-7100
  TTY: 703-591-6435
  Web site: www.braininjurysvcs.org
  
  Back to Top